An active air thrust bearing controlled by an Arduino board and digital valves is described. A numerical model for the complete system is developed to design the control and perform a sensitivity analysis based on geometric parameters such as the conductance of the valves. Model validation is based on experimental open-loop and closed-loop tests. The purpose of the model is to determine the range of force and air gap height in which the pad can be controlled.

[27] D. Maffiodo, F. Colombo, and T. Raparelli, “Open and closed loop control of an active air bearing with digital valves,” Proc. of the XXIII Conf. of the Italian Association of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 2017.